The Colts are trying to make the media think this pick won’t be Andrew Luck but they are not doing a good job. They have not even had a private meeting with Robert Griffin sighting “time constraints” as the reason. Luck is everything a team could want in a QB prospect and more. He has the athleticism and size of Cam Newton combined with the throwing ability of Aaron Rodgers. Whether or not he can put it all together and become one of the all time great QBs is all that remains.

The Redskins gave up three 1st round picks and more to move up four spots and they are not taking anyone but Griffin or Luck here. Griffin is a dream fit for Shanahan’s system because of his athleticism, accuracy, and arm strength. Griffin has the speed and athleticism of Michael Vick in his prime but the throwing ability and accuracy of Drew Brees. Even though the Redskins gave up a lot to get Griffin, if he fulfills his potential and becomes a franchise QB, it would be hard to say that it was not worth it.

The Vikings have really two options here at No. 3. They can make the smart move and take Matt Kalil to protectChristian Ponder or they can make the dumb move and take Morris Claiborne. Even though Claiborne is a phenomenal prospect, you simply can’t pass up on a franchise LT when that is your biggest need. While Claiborne might be a better CB than Kalil is a LT, it is not often a team is in a position to get an elite LT prospect. If the Vikings take Claiborne and Kalil becomes a franchise LT, this will be considered one of the worst moves of all time.

This in one of the most compelling quarterback draft classes in a long time because of the star power at the top of the draft with Luck and Griffin in conjunction with the complete uncertainty after those two players. Some scouts love Tannehill and his upside, while others debate whether or not he she even be taken in the second round. Others praise Weeden because of his maturity and production. While another pocket of people like Cousins because of his leadership and experience. All in all this is a fascinating group of quarterbacks and unlike anything we have seen in recent years.

First Word: His stock soared with Robert Griffin III’s as the two terrorized the Big 12 through the air this past season. However, Wrights stock took a hit when he ran a slow 40 yard dash at the combine.

This is not draft news (though both play a role on the draft) but I felt I needed to address both of these issues. First of all, I completely and 100% agree with Godell’s punishment for the Saints. I play football and it is not okay for multiple coaches and a GM to pay their players money to injure opposing players. I know football is a violent game but it is simply unnaceptable to give players bonuses for hurting people. How does this news affect the draft? Well, as part of the punishment, the Saints lost their 2012 and 2013 2nd round draft picks. Now, the Saints don’t have a pick in this year’s draft until the 3rd round. For a team with multiple flaws on the defensive side of the ball (LB, DT, CB) they will now be looking towards middle of the road players to fill that need. They will now have to look at Free Agency to fill those needs.

In other major NFL news, the Jets gave up a 4th and 6th round pick in this years draft to land a backup QB in Tim Tebow. The Jets have numerous needs (WR, RT, FS, SS, HB, RG) and now lack two draft picks that could have helped fill those needs. And all to land a backup QB when they already had two other QBs on the roster? This move screams of a PR move to try and fix the image of the Jets organization. Ultimately, I feel that Denver robbed the Jets and for a cap strapped team like the Jets, this move will greatly effect next years team. A 4th round pick on a guard like Lonnie Edwards or a WR like Dwight Jones would have helped this team a lot more than Tim Tebow will. The Broncos won on this deal big time.

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This is a continuation of the second round prospects posted here. The strongest point of this year’s NFL Draft is definitely in the middle rounds. What this draft lacks in elite talent, it makes up for in quality, starting caliber players in the second to fourth rounds of the draft. Perhaps the best talent in this draft can be found in the third round, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. After the jump, see a few prospects who I like in the third round.

Now that most big-name free agents have new homes here’s a mock to show how teams’ needs have shifted. I’ll address specific signings more in the comments for each team.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck QB, Stanford

Indianapolis might as well start negotiating its contract with Luck at this point.

2. Washington Redskins (from Rams): Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor

Did anyone think Dan Snyder would lose a bidding war? To those who think they gave up too much, you’re wrong.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil OT, USC

Almost as sure about this pick as I am that Luck will be a Colt. Minnesota can’t pass on Kalil.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson RB, Alabama

This is where things get tricky. After botching the trade for RG3 they need to restock just about every position on offense. Losing Peyton Hillis makes runningback a bigger need than receiver, as incredible as that sounds, and Richardson is a far better prospect than Justin Blackmon.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne CB, LSU

Another easy pick, Richardson to Tampa has been a common pick lately but with him gone they’ll sprint to the podium to grab Claiborne. Signing Eric Wright isn’t enough to solve their issues at corner and Claiborne is already a better cover corner than Patrick Peterson, who went 5th overall last year.